Chapter 4 – The Years Before…(Part 2)
Mine has never seen Ayame in such a state. He was really annoyed. Today was a photo shoot for his new collection. They were supposed to have 6 models but the agency only sent 5. That had slowed the process down and they are running out of time. To hire the models for another day would throw the project into the red - financially.
Ayame looked around for ideas. Then he saw Tohru at the computer tallying the sales for the week. A wicked idea began to form in his head and his mouth curved at the sides. Mine followed his line of vision, 'Matte, Ayame. You can't expect Tohru to wear some of these things. Yuki will murder you.' Ayame looked at his trusty assistant. She had a point. Besides Yuki, Tohru will never pulled it through if she is made to wear anything revealing.
He walked to the rack of clothes and started to sort them thorough. He picked out 5 pieces that were the least revealing. He placed them on the couch and beckoned Mine. She eyeballed the items. 'They look innocent enough. They are still very sensual…'
'Hai, but that's our business ne?'
'Guess so, you better pray that Yuki does not find out.'
'Hahahaha! He should be here. We will break down all resistance. We'll conquer…'
'Ayame-san. I am done for today,' called Tohru. 'Is there anything else you would like me to do.'
Ayame gave Mine a pleading look. Mine sighed.
'Tohru. We have a problem.' Mine started. Tohru began her descent into panic as Mine explained the situation to her. She showed the young girl the items she was to model. While they were talking, Ayame practiced his 'pluuuueazzzzeeeee, Tohru look' in the mirror.
'But…' Tohru started. Ayame looked into her eyes with his best puppy look and his well-practiced 'I need to manipulate Tohru' look. Mine could not help but grinned at the little display of deceit in front of her. And as usual, Tohru gave in.
Mine brought her to the dressing room. The make-up artist and Mine discussed Tohru's look and hair-do. Ayame started moving from set to set, watching and directing.
Towards the end of the day, he wondered into a set and stopped short. His eyes widened. Tohru was posing for the camera with the sweetest smile. Her hair was curled and piled onto the top of her head with strands falling over her face and neck. She had very little make-up on. She wore the last of the nightgowns she was to model. It was an ivory silk gown with an empire-line. It accentuated her breasts. The rest of the gown flowed down her body landing gently on her bare feet. Ayame's eyes took in every detail.
'Breathe. Breath boss, you are about to pass out.' Ayame started and turned to see Mine. She was grinning wickedly at him. Ayame shook his head mentally and let his smooth persona slide back.
'Hmmm, what are you looking at?'
'You! Are you sure she is just a friend?'
'What are you talking about? ' Ayame gave her a small frown. 'You know that we are just friends. You work here with us.' He turned to look at Tohru again as she followed the camera man's directions and strike a different pose. Despite her shyness, she was really good.
Mine studied her boss. She could see that he was a little confused by his own reactions. She smirked.
'Ayame.' He turned around. 'You know not be fool around with her.'
'Mine. If we were not friends for so long, I would have killed you for that statement.
'Good. I want to be sure that you are aware.' Mine looked steadily at Ayame. He was really surprised that Mine would want to protect Tohru. He smiled. Tohru is definitely one girl that needed watching. She was just too clueless.
'Anyway, she is Yuki's.'
'Don't try to convince me. Convince yourself, boss. Ah! Tohru you are done? Let's get you changed.'
Mine went to the girl and linked arms with her. They talked and giggled. Tohru threw her head back and waved at Ayame. She had a good time. Ayame gave her a thumbs-up.
'What is Mine talking about? Of course Tohru belongs to Yuki. Maybe Kyo. I am too old for her.' Ayame thought as he started to wind-up the project.
'Aren't I? Damn, I need to stop thinking. What am I doing? It's Tohru, for goodness' sake.' Ayame shook his head violently and pushed all thoughts of Tohru to the back of his mind.
